Annual Awards Ceremony & Auction

The Marion Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the finalists for the 2019 Citizen of the Year Award. Joni Barwick with TMG Company, along with Megan Jones with Priority Staffing Group and and Lance Hafeli with Smith-Hafeli Inc, have been nominated for this year's award. Our finalists have been nominated by fellow chamber members and selected by the Awards Committee. Joni Barwick is the president of Turtle Marketing Group Company, which focuses on the consumer path-to-purchase journey by using data to bridge messaging with consumer habits, behaviors and technology trends. Born and raised in rural Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Joni moved to Southern Illinois in 1994. Throughout her professional career, Joni has obtained various technology and networking certifications, as well as certifications in several Google products and inbound marketing. Joni completed the Delta Regional Authority Leadership Institute in 2014, which fueled her passion for her local community. She also recently attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Business Authentic Leadership program. In the past several years, Joni has served on various boards and committees, including Past President of Marion Kiwanis Club, Past President of Marion Unit 2 Community Foundation, and eLaunch. She recently worked to help start Square Up Marion and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Marion Chamber of Commerce. Joni is also a member of the Marion Rotary Club, Illinois Delta Leadership Network and volunteers and serves frequently at Heaven’s Kitchen Marion. Joni and her husband John, enjoy traveling to visit their sons, Ryan, a network engineer in St. Louis and Michael, a senior at SIUE. In regard to her award nomination: “As I have been inspired by people throughout my life to serve my community, I hope to inspire others, especially young people, so that they too, can realize their potential to make an impact. I am honored to have been nominated for the Marion Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award.” Megan Jones is a Southern Illinois native, growing up in Carterville and residing in Marion since early 2012. She began her Human Resources career in 1997 with First National Bank and Trust Company in Carbondale. In 2002, Megan was recruited to assist in the management of HR operations, systems and programs at the newly opened Aisin Manufacturing Illinois, LLC. Megan sat for and obtained her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification in 2003. In 2011, Megan accepted a position at Heartland Regional Medical Center where she restructured processes to ensure consistency and compliance within the Human Resources department. In 2015, Megan obtained her Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Certification. Later that year she became the Director of Human Resources and Direct Hire Placement at Priority Staffing Group, Ltd. Megan is dedicated to her family and her small zoo of animals. She is very proud of her community and loves seeing how people come together for the greater good and helping others in the Southern Illinois region, especially children. Megan is involved with many organizations and is an active board member for SIPMA, Williamson County Heartland Rotary, Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless, John A. Logan Foundation, and many other groups. She has been a Marion Chamber of Commerce Board member since 2016, serves on the Scholarship Committee, and volunteers for the Annual Dinner and the SI Made Expo. Megan is grateful to be nominated for this year’s award. This nomination reflects “not only my efforts, but as a part of a team within this community.” Lance Hafeli is an Air Force veteran who retired at the rank of colonel in May, 2012 after serving his country for 27 years. Upon retirement, Lance and his wife Kathy moved back to Marion where he’s now able to serve his local community. Lance earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois in 1983 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force in May 1985. Additionally, he earned three master’s degrees while on active duty. Over his 27 years, Lance held numerous leadership positions at all levels of the Air Force. His last job while on active duty was as the Director of Installations, United States Air Forces Central Command at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar where he was responsible for civil engineering and contracting contingency planning in support of US Air Forces assigned to the United States Central Command. His major awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award. Since retiring and moving back to Marion, Lance was instrumental in assisting Marion Unit 2 to apply for and setup an Air Force Junior ROTC program at the high school - the first of its kind in Southern Illinois. He ran the program for 3 years before transitioning to his present job as President and majority owner of Smith-Hafeli construction. Additionally, Lance is also involved in Marion Rotary Club. The first Citizen of the Year Award was given in 1970 to Clara Boatright. Last year’s winner was John Holst. Past winners of the Citizen of the Year Award can be viewed at https://www.marionillinois.com/award-winners.html.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the finalists for the 2019 Distinguished Business Award. Anderson's Warehouse Furniture, along with Moreland/Bishop McDonald's and RollnUp Smoke Shop and Liquor, have been nominated for this year's award. Our finalists have been nominated by fellow chamber members and selected by the Awards Committee. Anderson’s Warehouse Furniture started in 1970 as a warehouse for all kinds of items. Bill Anderson, Lowell’s father, would search the country for anything he could buy and resell. One day he came across a company in Fort Smith, Arkansas known as Riverside-Furniture. He bought a semi truckload of swivel rockers, put them in the warehouse, got on the radio and advertised them at $5 over what he paid for them, selling out in about 10 days. From that point on, he concentrated on furniture. That’s why the name is Anderson’s Warehouse Furniture, not Anderson’s Furniture Warehouse. Michelle and Lowell took over fully in 2001 to make it a second-generation store, still family owned. As business grew over the years in their original Pittsburg, Illinois location, they opened a second store in Herrin. In June of 2018, a devastating fire struck the Pittsburg location. Though a catastrophic loss, the Herrin location remained open to serve their customers. In June 2019, they relocated to the old Sears building location at 3000 West DeYoung Street to open a larger brand-new store. “This new store has over 55,000 square feet of brand name furniture and mattresses to choose from, all under one roof. We are sure to have something for everyone! Our mission is to better serve our customers every day! Although known as ‘The Savings Giant’, we are humbled to be nominated for this award. We are thankful for the opportunities that have allowed us to grow in the Marion area.” Moreland/Bishop Organization started in 1981 when John & Mary Moreland moved to Southern Illinois with their young family to open their first McDonald’s location in West Frankfort IL. Over the years they have received many awards from McDonald’s, including the Golden Arch Award (only given to the top 1% in the world). Currently the organization employs more than 800 employees who take part in internal crew and management training. They are proud to be a top participator in the McDonald’s scholarship program for their region. The organization currently has 14 locations and regularly hosts fundraisers for local schools and community projects. McDonald’s is not only a big brand business but a family business for the Moreland/Bishop Organization. Stephanie, daughter of John and Mary, and her husband Shane Bishop became approved McDonald’s operators in January of 2009 and own 4 of the 14 locations in the organization. Stephanie grew up in West Frankfort and began working in the restaurant as a grill opener and started the approved operator process in 2005. Her brother Michael and his wife Nicole decided to move home in 2015 to begin his journey in the 2nd generation process with McDonald’s. Stephanie is excited to be recognized for this year’s award and reflected on their family’s journey. “We are thankful to do this business as a family and are just as grateful for our McDonald's family as we could not do it without them. Our goal, not only as McDonald’s but as Moreland/Bishop Organization, is being America’s best 1st job and having top quality service and cleanliness for our customers!” RollnUp Smoke Shop and Liquor has been an institution in Southern Illinois since the 1970s. Founded by Ron Kruep as Karco, the idle gas stations were converted into smoke shop/liquor sites. One Stop Smoke Shop & Liquor locations grew in popularity during this time. Ron’s daughter Holly got into the family business with managing locations and took over as Marketing Director in 2004. By 2012 the parent company, Karco, sold its remaining fuel assets to Circle K and rebranded the stores to RollnUp Smoke Shop and Liquor. During this time, Ron passed away suddenly and Holly purchased the company in 2013. As President and CEO, she has added 5 stores and remodeled 3 locations. RollnUp Smoke Shop and Liquor has 12 locations and provides fast, friendly, and safe service to the communities they serve. Holly Kruep, a 2001 SIU-C graduate, is also president of R&K Land and DRK Enterprises. Holly is proud of her team at Karco. Mitch Wade is the VP of Operations and Joe Beveridge, who recently retired as Facilities Director, worked with Karco for 35 years. Mitch and Joe were crucial to the success and growth of RollnUp when Holly took over in 2012. Chuck Hill and Maggie Gajewski joined the team in 2014. Chuck is a district manager for several sites and Maggie is RollnUp’s buyer and Marketing Director. RollnUp is a strong community partner and sponsors the annual Marion Chamber Golf Outing. Their famous Bloody Mary bar is famous on the course! RollnUp is very grateful and proud to be a part of the community and the Marion Chamber of Commerce. The first Distinguished Business Award was given in 2018 to Clearwave Communications. Last year’s winner was Golden Eagle Distributing, LLC. Past winners of the Citizen of the Year Award can be viewed at https://www.marionillinois.com/award-winners.html.

MAYOR'S SERVICE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED The Mayor's Service Award recipients are selected by the Mayor of the City of Marion, Michael Absher. The first Mayor's Service Award was given in 1996 to Elfora Aikman. Last year's winner was Harry Boyd. LARRY AND TRYPHOSIA LEE Larry and Tryphosia Lee moved to Marion, IL in 1992. In 1997, Larry Lee Sr. was appointed as Pastor to what is known today as Refuge Temple Church of God in Christ. In its 22 years, Refuge Temple, has provided a clothing/food pantry, transitional homes for those needing shelter, and actively feeding at a local homeless shelter. They’ve shown their love to the community by taking religious services to the park, SIU campus ministry, jail ministry, singing at local nursing homes and much more. In 1998, the Lord gave Lady Tryphosia Lee the vision of The Young Hearts with Goals and Purpose Banquet, a banquet to celebrate and honor young people. This multicultural and motivational event celebrates the talents, academic excellence and other notable achievements among participating youth. This program encourages youth in making good decisions and continuing to be successful in their endeavors. In 2019, YHWGP had over 650 attendees from the City of Marion, Southern Illinois and the Midwest. This event has grown into one of the largest annual youth events in the City of Marion. Pastor Larry and Lady Tryphosia Lee have many more plans to impact the City of Marion. The church will continue to be a trendsetter while bridging the gap and crossing barriers within the community. ​ Picture DAVID AND PEGGY MARAGNI David and Peggy Maragni are the founders of The Promise Mission. For the past 8 years, they have worked to serve under-represented members of the Marion community through their mission of sharing Christ’s message, to be a safe location for reflection, and to help with basic needs like food and clothing. They provide a hot lunch during the week to around 50-60 people and temporary shelter as needed. During the holidays, they collect gifts and donations to enable needy families to provide gifts to their children. The basic needs of their surrounding community is not their only primary focus, they also provide positive guidance and a listening ear, along with making sure nobody ever leaves without a hug and a smile. The Promise provides love, acceptance, and hope to all. Described as “loving the unlovable, accepting the unacceptable, and reaching the unreachable,” Peg has been known to give people jobs around The Promise Mission to give them a sense of self-worth and learn to take pride in a job well done. Here, they can develop responsibilities they may not get anywhere else. People go through many different stages in life and sometimes are “down and out” and see no avenue of hope. The Promise has been a great addition to Marion and is a place of comfort to many.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce's Awards Committee is pleased to honor the Volunteers of Veterans Honor Fight of Southern Illinois with a 2019 Award of Excellence. The Honor Flight program is a nation-wide network dedicated to providing all veterans who apply, a free trip to Washington D.C. to visit memorials honoring their service and sacrifice. Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois is an established 501c3 non-profit hub of the Honor Flight network. Our Executive Board governs the hub and we utilize volunteers to accomplish our mission. Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois was formed in 2016 and operates solely on the generous donations of the community which we serve. Our geographical area of fundraising consists of the area from US Highway 50 to the southern tip of the state. Through the generosity of our Southern Illinois community, we have flown 6 missions and taken over 430 veterans to Washington DC to see their memorials and we have over 400 applicants for future flights with more applications being submitted daily. Plans are in place for mission 7 on May 5, 2020 and for mission 8 on June 9, 2020 to continue our pursuit to honor all veterans. We would like to thank the Marion Chamber of Commerce for this recognition, and all of Southern Illinois for the continued efforts and support. Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois would like to see that every veteran is honored in the way that they deserve as our heroes. The Award of Excellence winner will be celebrated during the 99th annual Marion Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet & Auction on Friday, January 17 at The Pavilion. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets to attend are $65/person, $500/table of 8 or $750/table of 12 and are available by calling the Marion Chamber of Commerce at 618.997.6311 or visiting www.marionillinois.com

The Marion Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the finalists for the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. Keith Dickens, along with Vicki Griffin and Scott Murrie, have been nominated for this year's award. Our finalists have been nominated by fellow chamber members and selected by the Awards Committee. Keith Dickens believes firmly in the success of Southern Illinois. A local native and a man of faith, he was taught self-reliance at an early age and to utilize God’s gifts to 100% of your potential. He graduated from the University of Evansville in 1982 and started at Pepsi MidAmerica. While with Pepsi, he rose to the rank of Vice President and secured an additional degree in financial studies from Murray State in 1992. In the mid-90s, he left Pepsi to start his own commercial design company. Over the next twenty years he developed the company and merged it with Petter Business Systems and served as President. In 2015, he returned to Pepsi MidAmerica and now assumes the role of President. Throughout his career, Keith has been part of numerous boards and organizations geared toward economic development and community engagement in our region. These include the Catholic Youth League Chair, Cape Girardeau Chamber Economic Development, Chairman of Church Board, Duke of Paducah, Greater Paducah Economic Development Vice Chair and Chair Elect, KY Colonel, Marion and SIL Bridge to Future, Old National Bank Advisory Board, School Board Member and Chair of Education Committee, SEMO University Foundation Board, and the Steering Committee on SI Economic Development. He is committed to local causes through Boy Scouts, Easter Seals, holiday ‘Giving Tree’ donations, Kiwanis Club, Rotary, Salvation Army, and volunteering for Heaven’s Kitchen’s Thanksgiving Meal. He also supports the local economy in his business dealings and thankful for Pepsi’s ongoing efforts to donate and support community initiatives. This includes chamber projects like Grad Spree, various golf outings, and the Community Block Party. ​ Dickens shares his life with his wife of 32 years, Cyndi (Crisp) and their three sons: Hunter, Harrison & Haydon. With their ongoing support, he is considered blessed to be surrounded by great people within the organizations he has been a part of. He feels this nomination is as much about his family, his team and company, and a lifelong commitment to sustain and hopefully grow our community. “Making Southern IL vibrant is a way to give back for the blessings I have received. It is also selfish, as I want my sons to live and raise their families here as well.” Vicki Griffin began serving the good people of Marion at 8 years old when she ran the cash register at The Uptown Kitchen, run by her Uncle Wayland. This tradition of service has defined her whole life, with her family teaching her social skills and work ethic. Growing up, she thought about becoming a pediatrician but, “my high school guidance counselor told me I should be a nurse and marry a doctor (the trouble that advice would cause now!) and as it turned out she was right!” She worked in the family business and was a Candy Striper at Marion Memorial Hospital throughout high school, attended nursing school in St Louis and came back home to take care of people she knew...the people who "raised me up". Vicki’s mom started Jenny's Uniforms in 1972 and she was the “best dressed nurse thanks to her”. In 1995, her alter ego "Nancy Nurse" was born. For 22 years, Vicki & Nancy enjoyed talking to thousands of people about their attitude, health, laughter, and miscellaneous life lessons. When looking back on her 47 years in nursing, she feels blessed to practice and knows the Lord isn’t done with her yet. She enjoys her life with her best friend and husband of 33 years, Don. They share his 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Life is good, and retirement is not in the cards since they both love what they do, however they have managed to travel more in the past few years. She has spent the last 15 years of work in hospice, where “I appreciate how fragile and precious life is and have chosen to thank God and celebrate each day.” When asked about her award nomination, she is very honored, “I looked back at all the previous nominees and winners and they're all people I have admired and many who "raised me up". To be included in this group is humbling - I have been blessed with great family, great friends, great co-workers, and great health and to be recognized for doing what I love is overwhelming.” Scott Murrie moved to Marion in 1967 when he was thirteen. While his father worked on the square (at what became known as Murrie TV), Scott could be found at the Bob Stotlar Center working summers in high school and college. During high school, Scott was involved in athletics and the first Leo club at MHS. He earned a BA from Eastern Illinois College in 1972 and returned to Marion to join Palmer & Murrie Abstract. He became partner and worked there till 2013. Afterwards, he joined Title Professionals as their manager and expanded business services to 17 counties. Murrie is very active with service organizations in Marion and served as a board officer for the Marion Salvation Army, Marion Zoning Board, Marion Lions Club, Hospice of Southern Illinois, and as past president of Franklin‐Williamson Human Services (now Centerstone). He has coached and mentored area youth for over 10 years with the Marion Basketball Association and Marion Youth Baseball Program. He is proud to be on the task force that will bring the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Inc. program to Marion in 2020. A Marion Chamber of Commerce member for over 40 years, Scott served on their board for 12 years. He is actively involved with the BNI STAR networking organization in Marion, where he recently served as president. Scott shares his passion for community with his wife, Monica McGinley Murrie, a local real estate broker. Their son Andrew Murrie and wife Kelly are attorneys who practice and live in the Alton/St. Louis area with their children William and Anna. He enjoys being a stepdad to Libby and Ryan McGinley. Known for his high energy and warm personality, Scott enjoys travel, boating, golfing, and socializing with friends and business acquaintances. Scott is an avid sports fan who enjoys cheering on his favorite local and professional teams, most especially his beloved St. Louis Cardinals! He is grateful for the award nomination and opportunity to serve the Marion community, “Both my parents worked hard and developed a strong work ethic in me. Be a good steward of the community and give freely of your time.“ The first Lifetime Achievement Award was given in 1985 to August L. Fowler. Last year’s winners were Jim & Linda Byassee and Cathy Moehring. Past winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award can be viewed at https://www.marionillinois.com/award-winners.html.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the finalists for the 2019 Distinguished Member Award. Jared Garrison, along with Brian McHugh and Herby Voss, have been nominated for this year's award. Our finalists have been nominated by fellow chamber members and selected by the Awards Committee. Jared Garrison , a native of Marion, Illinois, graduated cum laude from Oklahoma City University and has been the Executive Director of The Pavilion in Marion since right before the city purchased the facility in 2011. When Jared took over as Executive Director of The Pavilion, the Pavilion was in dire straits – almost no events and a very bad reputation in the area. Jared has worked diligently with the city, the chamber and our community to increase the Pavilion’s events to over 300 events per year for the last five years and is on track to break that record this year. In addition, he was appointed by Mayor Rinella to serve on the City of Marion’s Colt World Series Committee for its inaugural summer. Jared loves our community and prides himself on selflessly serving us. He is on the Board of Directors for the Marion Chamber of Commerce and is on the Board of Directors for VisitSI. For the chamber, Jared serves as one of the Co-Chairs of the Marketing Committee and is also one of the Co-Chairs of the Sister City Committee. In addition to this, he is main point of contact for all Sister City (Kanie, Japan) relations. Jared also serves as one of the Co-Chairs for the Annual Dinner Committee, and is a member of the Membership Committee, Community Day Committee, and the Grad Spree Committee. Jared is honored to be the newest member of the Chamber Executive Board and looks forward to serving in that capacity, as well! Outside of The Pavilion and the chamber, Jared is active in his church, Community of Christ, where he serves as the Worship Decorator and is Co-Chair of the Special Services Committee. He is also a certified volunteer for Hospice of Southern Illinois and is very proud to be one of the Directors for the Red Carpet Gala for five consecutive years. Another passion of Jared’s is volunteering to help our veterans. He serves on the Welcome Home Planning Committee for Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois. The highlight of Jared’s volunteer work is the decade long work he has given to children in the arts. Jared has worked with a couple of area arts-related non-profits but is most proud of the work he has done with Kre8ive Fine Arts Academy - - serving on the Board of Directors since its inception in 2012 and serving as President of the Board since 2015. ​ Jared is the proud Papa of Mr. Parker, his Miniature Poodle, and thanks his parents, Jim & Emma Lou Garrison for instilling in him the importance and love of community service. Brian McHugh is a Vienna native who moved to Marion 15 years ago. He recently celebrated his ten year anniversary to his wife Mayra, and they are members of the Vine Church in Carbondale. McHugh joined Edward Jones as a financial advisor in 2015 and opened firm's fifth branch office in Marion. He has served as a field trainer and mentor since 2018. McHugh is heavily involved in the Marion Chamber of Commerce and serves on several committees including the Golf Scramble Committee and Membership Committee. “The Chamber has been a great way to get involved in the community.” Says McHugh. He serves as a Chamber Ambassador and will begin serving on the Board of Directors for the Marion Chamber in February. His business networking is not limited to the chamber, he is also involved with BNI here in Marion, where he serves on their membership committee. When it comes to working in the business community, McHugh feels that relationships are the key to building a strong local economy. His primary goal is to help individual investors develop a unique strategy geared toward their long-term goals. Whether personal or business goals, he is focused on insuring long-term investment in the Marion community. Director of Marketing Herby Voss is privileged to promote Heartland Regional Medical Center’s 600+team members. Each one is dedicated to providing the region’s finest health care. But his job doesn’t end there. “From day-one it was clear” Voss said. “While our administrative team recruits top-flight providers and expands services, I could take a leadership role to ensure Marion’s hometown hospital continues its legacy as an outstanding corporate citizen.” To that end Voss helps coordinate Heartland’s support for dozens of groups including Veterans Honor Flight, American Heart Association, Kre8tive Youth Academy and Marion Schools. According to Voss the hospital’s backing goes beyond simply writing a check. “Of course community groups need financial support. I can also always count on the members of Team Heartland Regional to volunteer their personal time. There’s an intense spirit of community advocacy here.” Herby has also led an initiative to avail HRMC as a no-cost venue for meetings and events to community groups like the American Cancer Society, the Southern Illinoisan, the Women’s Center and, perhaps most significantly, the Marion Chamber of Commerce. “We’re particularly proud to partner with the Marion Chamber of Commerce as Presenting Sponsor of the “Leadership Marion” program. Together we’ve helped foster a culture of professional growth and leadership across Southern Illinois.” A 1985 graduate of SIU, Voss earned NCAA All-American honors as part of the Saluki Gymnastics team and ranks second all-time for highest score on any event in SIU history. Herby lives in Murphysboro with his wife, and Heartland Regional Controller, Melissa. The first Distinguished Member Award was given in 1959 to Dr. James Felts. Last year’s winner was Ashley Gott. Past winners of the Distinguished Member Award can be viewed at www.marionillinois.com/award-winners.html.